Can Murray Win a Slam?

Andy Murray, the world number four, has reached three grand slam finals, losing to Roger Federer twice and Novak Djokovic once. At 24 years of age he is at the peak of his physical fitness. Is he destined to win a slam in the near future, or has he been dealt a cruel hand by being a contemporary of three incredibly gifted tennis stars?

The most common remark heard around the tennis circuit, by other players, commentators and fans alike, is that Murray is too good not to win a slam. Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have all assured British fans that Murray’s time will come. ‘But when’?! they cry.

The British public has paid their dues. They have queued, hour after hour, day after day, to glimpse a large screen on a muddy hill and cheer on the next British hopeful. Henman came close, Murray even closer.

The Holy Grail still feels a long way away though, with Djokovic forming a Holy Trinity at the top of the rankings where there was once just a Terrible Two. Murray is seeing Djokovic do what he was feted to do a couple of years ago; break the Federer-Nadal duopoly.

These days, 28 is old in tennis. That gives Murray four years, or 16 attempts, to win a slam. If we discount Roland Garros (no one expects him to win a slam on clay, especially with Nadal around, the greatest clay court player of all time) that leaves 12 opportunities.

Surely he can do it? Anyway, to pass the time to the next Grand Slam, why not Play Fruit Machines.